The Myth of Having it All

Time flies when you’re having fun!

I can’t believe it’s already February! I was determined that 2017 was going to be the year I would maintain the enthusiasm and optimism with which I started the year. So far, so good. How’s it going for you?

But before I dive into my thoughts, I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for opening and reading this blog. I’d love to know how you discovered me and my work. Would you kindly take a minute and tell me, if we’ve never connected directly before (or even if we have, and you still want to tell me)?

Anyway, today I had some thoughts about “having it all.” I think we have been sold a bill of goods that we need to have a bunch of things in order to be happy. I’m such a slow learner I’ve climbed that mountain more than twice … accumulating all of the things and then realizing I had to care for them, insure them, get them cleaned, or worry about them … or all of the above.

A few years ago, my husband and I downsized and we’re getting ready (probably when our daughter graduates from high school next year … wait, what?!) to go mobile. As in, live on a bus and travel all around. Why share this with you? Well, I’ve worked with thousands of professionals over the years and the happiest ones were those that found a level of simplicity and joy. Those who were the most miserable were constantly worrying about something (not necessary someone).

I wanted to interject some positivity and encouragement into your days, especially since you’re taking the time to read this:

You don’t have to do it all. Trying to do it all just might drive you mad. You could spend your whole life in pursuit and miss the joy and happiness right at your fingertips. When was the last time you just didn’t do something and the world didn’t come to an end? Try just crossing something off of your “to do” list, and go get a massage instead. Or take a long lunch, or call someone you haven’t talked to in 25 years.

You don’t have to have it all. Just the things you want. You actually don’t own things, they own you. So make sure that every single thing you own brings you this much joy and happiness.

You don’t have to be it all. This is your life, and the only person you truly have to make happy is you. Keep in mind, the happier you are, the happier those around you will be.

Remember this: whoever told you it was imperative for you to have, do, and be it all didn’t know what they were talking about. 🙂 Just sayin’.